Rick Baldwin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richard A. Baldwin (10 June 1955 - 12 June 1997) was an American racing driver.

On June 14, 1986, during qualifying for the Miller American 400 at Michigan International Speedway, part of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Baldwin spun and hit the turn three wall driver's side first. The protective window netting failed to prevent his head from striking the wall during the impact, resulting in massive head injuries.^{[citation needed]}

At the time of his wreck, Baldwin was substituting for the injured Buddy Arrington, who had been hurt in a violent multiple car crash with Harry Gant and Morgan Shepherd at the previous week's race at Pocono International Raceway. Arrington released a statement following Baldwin's death.

After 11 years in a coma, Baldwin died two days after his 42nd birthday in 1997. The fatality was the first driver death in the history of the Michigan Speedway's oval track. Baldwin was survived by his wife and children, and his mother and father.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Sources and Links

• Motorsport Memorial